This paper describes and analyzes the development of an interdisciplinary
dialogue between hydrologists and an anthropologist on a case study:
the Merguellil Wadi basin (Tunisia). The aim of this interdisciplinary research
was to exploit socio-historical and hydrological parameters of water
management. The understanding of current water management issues
began with a socio-historical survey based on archives from the
French protectorate. Initially, linking the two disciplines through
this approach appeared problematic. However, these archives proved
to be unexpected allies. Two stages of the interdisciplinary process
are discussed here.

First, the archives including old maps, statistics and reports were
analyzed. This served to initiate interactions between social and
environmental scientists. For example, hydrologists helped identify spatial
location of information from the past and present. Collaboration
started with the insertion of this historical dimension in a GIS.

Second, hydrologists and the anthropologist shared knowledge and
hypotheses about the history of the Merguellil basin during analysis
of the archives. Socio-historical knowledge of the basin was shaped during
and by these interactions. Collectively-devised socio-hydrological
research questions resulted from the archives analysis. The archives,
as “cross-boundary objects” between different scientific approaches,
therefore helped promote interdisciplinarity.

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